Michal Golas proud to be the first Pole in Giro d’Italia mountains jersey

Having come so close to taking the Maglia Rosa, after being part of the stage-long break on stage six, Michal Golas (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) has managed to get himself into the Maglia Azzurra climbers jersey in the Giro d’Italia. The Polish rider has become the first from his country to take the lead in the mountains classification in the Corsa Rosa, whose jersey colour changed from its established green this year due to the wishes of sponsor Banco Mediolanum

“I am very glad to have gotten this jersey,” said Golas. “It was a big emotion to go up on the podium and wear it. I am the first Polish rider who has managed to do this, and I’m proud of it."

The 28-year-old took the 'tauron' mountains jersey in last year's Tour of Poland, and was congratulated for his latest achievement by race organiser Czeslaw Lang.

“I am happy,” Golas added. “It’s a great achievement both for me and for my country.”

Golas contested the mountain sprints with Miguel Angel Rubiano (Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela) on the sixth stage to Porto Sant’Elpidio, but lost out to the Colombian who escaped to win the stage. He also ended that day just 15 seconds behind Adriano Malori (Lampre-ISD) in the general classification, but both riders slipped down on the steep finish at Rocca di Cambio the following day.

The Polish rider managed to get himself into the break again on yesterday’s twelfth stage, between Seravezza and Sestri Levante, and, despite the attentions of Rubiano’s teammate Jackson Rodriguez, managed to lead over the first three climbs to take his total to 33 points and snatch the lead. Although his lone bid for glory was thwarted by the others in the breakaway, and he was dropped on the final climb, Golas had done enough to take the blue jersey.

With a breakaway of two up the road in today’s short 13th stage, between Savona and Cervere, the top points were taken on the only climb of the day. Golas was there to sprint for the final, single point however, proving that - with the Alps on the horizon - he is determined to hold on to his jersey for as long as possible.